[venkasub]

I have moved from being a Principal Engineer, to Product Management and now am leading Engineering. Must say that I have enjoyed the journey so far, and the learning has been exponential. I was hands-on when I was a PM, and am still. As a PM, quick PoCs helped me get across my idea quicker and when you lead Engineering, complete understanding of the details is the most important so that course corrections and strategy can be defined well.

Being hands-on keeps me sane.

Did a 1-year part-time Management course in one of the top BSchools, at the end of my tenure as a PM - wasn't of great benefit, as I think that the idea of a MBA is becoming largely irrelevant. I think a good selection of courses in MooC helps; in fact, for me, I was so much fascinated by courses in Coursera that led me to do the part-time Exec Mgmt course. But I must say that the experience of the Professors and getting back to school after almost a decade was enjoyable. Just listening to the lectures of the Profs was much needed.

During the whole journey, I cultivated the habit of reading and writing(a lot!) and I can personally see my thought process mature. But I know it's just tip of the iceberg.

I think the most important trait is not to stop learning whatever you do. I know it sounds cliched, but it is what it is.

Am always on the lookout for smart people with whom I can work with and learn.